Comedian-turned-horror-maestro Zach Cregger’s 2022 horror film Barbarian burst onto the scene and became one of that year’s scariest surprises. Just three years later, he followed that up with the sprawling, Magnolia-inspired horror movie Weapons, for which Amy Madigan earlier this year won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. And already, Cregger is back with a third horror adventure, this time a new adaptation of the video game Resident Evil.
But it’s not a horror adaptation that requires audiences to come in with knowledge of the Resident Evil lore, it really is a free-standing entry in the franchise. Star Austin Abrams plays a medical courier who ends up unprepared for a daunting Colorado snowstorm and starts having the worst night imaginable. As his normal life gives way to a post-apocalyptic fight for survival, Abrams’ character remains a relatable everyman trying his best to last the night through gunfights and mutant attacks.
Beyond the story, though, the real reason the new Resident Evil stands out is that it allows audiences to continue watching Cregger emerge as a name-brand director of the decade. Resident Evil is a non-stop thrill ride full of slick camera work from famed cinematographer Dariusz Wolski (DAH-roosh VOL-ski), gross-out gore and effects, and some genuinely hilarious character moments. In just three horror entries, Cregger has developed an enthralling signature style of capturing action that looks especially great in the snow-bound landscapes of his latest film.
After pumping out three of the best horror movies of the past five years, Cregger is not planning on stopping. He’s already working on his next film, titled “Flood,” expected in 2028. Until then, audiences have plenty of Cregger to pour over from Barbarian, Weapons, and now Resident Evil.
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